RADBMX.CO.UK
Old School BMX 1980 - 1988 => Old School Freestyle (frame stands and kickturns galore!) => Topic started by: McQUEEN on November 03, 2014, 09:58 PM
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Hi,
this is my restoration and build thread for one of my must have freestyle bikes, a 1985 RL20ii. Its more about the frame and choosing the right people to trust than the build. I love the Redline freestyler's, I've already got a RL20 ( My RL20 is here.... http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,177131.0.html)
I bought the frame and forks on eBay earlier this year in turquoise. I'd bid and lost on this frameset before; the seller had relisted it as when the first buyer came to pick it up, he saw something else in his collection and wanted that more, so the seller kept the RL and re advertised it 4 months later. The listing ended late on a Friday afternoon, so I got it a lot cheaper than it went the first time.
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/T2eC16ZzoE9s5ngLcbBSOcK14di60_57_zps0f36ad27.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/T2eC16ZzoE9s5ngLcbBSOcK14di60_57_zps0f36ad27.jpg.html)
When the frameset turned up I gotta say I was pretty disappointed with it. The turquoise was a shade darker than the images I had of them. There was half a seat tube stuck in the frame, rattling about at the bottom of the seat mast. The powder coat, advertised as being by C4 Labs, wasn't very smooth and looked really thick and drippy.
I decided after weighing it all up that I'd go for a colour change to Hazard Yellow which was my preferred colour choice. A couple of emails followed and I dropped the frame, handlebars and stem off to Superbike Dan for a recoat. Dan as everyone says was really helpful but called me after a few days later saying he was having problems with the powdercoat - it wouldn't come off despite several attempts with Dan's usual hi strength stripper. The bars had stripped off easily. Talking it through, we realised that the powdercoat wasn't the best of job's, as it has been coated several times to help take out some of the bumps left from when the frame had probably rusted or lost a chrome plating in several places and almost felt baked on. I agreed with Dan, the best thing would be to find an alloy wheel refurbishment company who have stronger chemicals to strip it.
Several phone arounds in the London / Essex area and I only found a single company in Rochford, Essex, who said they could do it for £25. Promising they could keep the chrome of the rear half I dropped it off and arranged to pick it up the next week......when I picked it up I was totally bummed out because they didn't dip it, they glass bead / sand / media blasted it and stripped everything back to basics.
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20140306_154008_zps0e624d90.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20140306_154008_zps0e624d90.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20140306_154001_zps2b4daeb3.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20140306_154001_zps2b4daeb3.jpg.html)
They took all the powder off and most of the chrome and then sprayed it over with a coat of god knows what. So, after getting nowhere with their owner, I added AlloyArt in Rochford Essex to my 'don't ever use again' list and arranged to drop the frame off to London Chroming in SE London for a rechrome before powder coating. They had it 4 weeks and when I picked it up I was stoked with it - the best chrome and polish I've ever had done. I've had some flights and handlebars rechromed by a company recommended here on RAD but was never pleased with it, found the chrome plate flaking off after just two months. Can't recommend London Chroming highly enough - when you walk in their entrance it's the holding area for their work and they had everything, racing bike frame, motor bike bits, car bumpers and grilles, trophies and a huge airplane propeller.
London Chroming are top guys, check this video.... Not a valid vimeo URL
Once the chrome was on it was back to SBD for the Hazard Yellow. Picked it up after two weeks wait and nearly pissed my pants with how good it looked. SBD was as humble as ever, not taking a penny more for his hard work and advice. Top fella.
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/photo4_zps7e79f237.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/photo4_zps7e79f237.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/photo3_zps7e3777dc.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/photo3_zps7e3777dc.jpg.html)
Had a set of decals posted over from AJK Bikes, applied them and decided to build up as the Redline adverts in Freestylin' from the '85 era.
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/85RedlineRL20IICombos-1_zps7d1a3dc6.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/85RedlineRL20IICombos-1_zps7d1a3dc6.jpg.html)
Redline used to sell the RL20ii as a "Combo", consisting of "matching forklifter stem and handlebar, and the new Dia Compe FS brakes with matching cable housing and detail lettering". I managed to source some identical water based hobby enamel and detailed up a minty pair of FS880's and used some NOS Dia Compe Mustard Yellow brake cables to finish it off.
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20141018_223222_zps9c7103c7.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20141018_223222_zps9c7103c7.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20141101_202848_zps49c5b4d7.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20141101_202848_zps49c5b4d7.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20141102_093618_zpsdd9ab391.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20141102_093618_zpsdd9ab391.jpg.html)
I've sourced all the parts now and am getting ready to build her up, just need to decide what wheels and tires to go with and whether to go yellow over black with the B1B's or stay grey over black. The yellow doesn't match the frame and seat colour and looks like its clashing, so I'll probably go grey. Wheels might be satin anodised Peregrine 48's with Suzue/Peregrines hubs or chromed versions with sealed Peregrine hubs/Super pro's. I also have a pair of white and a pair of black peregrine masters, but I think they look too heavy on the twin tubes Redlines.
The build is gonna be pretty easy, so I will post up more once I'm finished.
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I love these, and this looks great, fantastic work. I'd go with some SuperPro's!
i'm weighing up who to get to chrome my super pro hubs and hoops, thinking London Chrome might be a contender. Were they expensive?
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That's two great stories I've read tonight about how you lads get your build to this stage, my god you go through shite and over come it and move on, the build is looking sweet and it was a pleasure helping you out :daumenhoch:
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dream bike bitd ......super build
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Dan...Whilst your'e here...Will a chromer be able to strip powder off a seat post, or am i best off getting it stripped by you? (sorry about thread hijack!)
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Dan...Whilst your'e here...Will a chromer be able to strip powder off a seat post, or am i best off getting it stripped by you? (sorry about thread hijack!)
There's no reason why they can't strip the powder mate :daumenhoch:
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A happy ending :daumenhoch:
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Try and find the matching Masters if you can bro :daumenhoch:
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j406/Londonhellboy/1404573_811017472252871_7515057075075495859_o_zpsad66b323.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/Londonhellboy/media/1404573_811017472252871_7515057075075495859_o_zpsad66b323.jpg.html)
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I love these, and this looks great, fantastic work. I'd go with some SuperPro's!
i'm weighing up who to get to chrome my super pro hubs and hoops, thinking London Chrome might be a contender. Were they expensive?
I paid £300 for a full chrome to the frame and polish to the rear triangle as far as the seat mast and it also included a show chrome finish to a pair of Haro freestyle handlebars and Redline Forklifter race bars and a redline seat post. Not the cheapest but far better than anyone else I've used. 100% recommend them.
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VERY NICE MATE love it I have an og one you have probably seen gotta love some hazard yellow in your life nice well done look forward to seeing it finished
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If you're planning on fitting a set of flights let me know........ ;) I've never warmed to mine :-[
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Here's the remaining parts of the build to add on over the next week
I'm still not sure on the wheels though - the chrome 48's might go to another project leaving the satin 48's for this. I mocked them up today and they look great against the chrome forks and the redline flights satin chainwheel. Tyres might be the Comp St's as these are what I rode bitd. The Panaracers are close behind though....
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/resizeIMG_20141102_115811_zpscff6e183.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/resizeIMG_20141102_115811_zpscff6e183.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/resizeIMG_20141102_115834_zpsff94502d.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/resizeIMG_20141102_115834_zpsff94502d.jpg.html)
I'm waiting for some new black redline flight decals - the yellow decals currently on them look too yellow and don't match as well as the kashimax aero does.
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VERY NICE MATE love it I have an og one you have probably seen gotta love some hazard yellow in your life nice well done look forward to seeing it finished
I've been watching yours, and think its great and you're right, HAZARD YELLOW should have a place in every collection!
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I have just had to change my seat post after riding mine I have had to go for a slight lay back in (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/11/04/683e861ff09200bffeb2b8a6327a5b85.jpg) it is a superb bike to ride so smooth with crank and wheels all being sealed I love this bike
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Hp 48 are so.smooth they are great to ride are you planning to put a rotor on yours
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Hp 48 are so.smooth they are great to ride are you planning to put a rotor on yours
I had planned a rotor, but decided against it. I bought a NOS ACS rotor in readiness, but as I wanted my RL to reflect the 85 Combo listing, and they didn't come as part of it. I'm also staying with a straight post as I always have the rule that the bar end miss the nose of the seat by an inch, just like BITD.
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That is fookin sweet buddy, must of been a real pisser when you first got it but top marks for persevering through the bad parts & coming out the other end with an amazing looking build :smitten:
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Looks amazing so far! especially after the grief you have had. That is not the first story I have heard about C4 labs work being far from satisfactory!
Can't wait to see this built! It's gonna be another stunner! :daumenhoch:
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that bike's so happy you found it :angel:
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that bike's so happy you found it :angel:
fischflo, you're right, I feel the love from it everytime I pass by it! :smitten:
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Pukka job, the chromers have done awesome work, and as always dans painters are the best, he just needs to stop taking credit for them.
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Such a nice bike to ride, nice and roomy. My survivor...
(http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc515/hmoon27/a5a4531206cf4d3d0b78c07ae087c92f_zps3821d6a5.jpg)
In a shed for 15 years, changed one inner tube , spray of wd40 and rode it on the lake ride, loved it :daumenhoch:
(http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc515/hmoon27/161ddf1ed8d057d22905ff84e1505ee1_zps41054796.jpg)
(http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc515/hmoon27/24bb2458600d13a8e843ca6d4a8717df_zps56b41649.jpg)
You've done a wicked job on that one , top stuff ;)
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Awesome resto so far :coolsmiley:
AlloyArt in Rochford Essex Thumbs down
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Wow! love that survivor "wantit" nice array of parts on it aswell :daumenhoch:
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Beautiful...
Love the Brakes... 8)
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You finished the RL yet then fella :P
Gonna be a worth botm entry for sure, I know I'd give it my vote ;)
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Try and find the matching Masters if you can bro :daumenhoch:
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j406/Londonhellboy/1404573_811017472252871_7515057075075495859_o_zpsad66b323.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/Londonhellboy/media/1404573_811017472252871_7515057075075495859_o_zpsad66b323.jpg.html)
I will have to put Indiana Jones on that one..........
I have a pair of NOS White and a fair condition black pair of masters which I've toyed with (the white look great) but I will most probably go satin hp48's which I've had done by Jay and rebuilt with new stainless steel spokes at my LBS. The Satin looks fantastic against the chrome on the forks and rear triangle - I tried a set of chrome hp48's and they look alittle too blingy. But if anyone has the hazard yellow masters, let me know!!
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/DSC_1945_zps016b9c71.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/DSC_1945_zps016b9c71.jpg.html)
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You finished the RL yet then fella :P
Gonna be a worth botm entry for sure, I know I'd give it my vote ;)
I'm on it over the next weekend, once I've made my mind up on the wheels. It might go botm, but as Nitrohoppers recently won I can't see it doing well, two rl's in a row.
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Looking forward to seeing this built up... :)
Can't wait till i'm at that stage...
All i have is a cardboard box of 'bits'... :(
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Just got to love them wrap around tubes :)
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any updates dude? :popcorn:
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Hi Guys, thanks for asking for an update. I had a really heavy month in December, 2 clients screaming for projects and all deciding everything had to be finished by Christmas and all stressing how important they are so I ended up burning myself out pretty badly and as a result, I had no time to progress this build.
I did find time today to build it up a bit more and made my mind up on the wheels (the white peregrines master might still make it) and crank set (white over a chrome set of flights I had).
The score is the chroming on the front and rear forks is so well done, putting chrome hp48's on it makes it look to blingy, takes the edge of the frameset, so the contrast of the satin of the chosen hp's hubs and rims, the satin flight chain wheel and the satin repop techmatic all looks pretty darn cool.
I'm just waiting for some purple B1B sleeves (breaks my usual rule of grip and seat colour must the same) but it works well with the purple squares on the redline decals. I've got a repop forklifter plate with a full set of RL/BMX Action decals ready to go so all good.
It doesn't look it in the pictures, but the kashimax is the perfect colour match to the hazard yellow.
Going to get this finished in Jan and get some better pictures outdoors with the rest of the RL20 family.............
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20150104_200857_zpsd4479609.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20150104_200857_zpsd4479609.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20150104_200824_zps6a7d10f1.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20150104_200824_zps6a7d10f1.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20150104_202539_zpsb1b049c5.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20150104_202539_zpsb1b049c5.jpg.html)
(http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y454/mrocco17/IMG_20150104_202701_zps8676c3c9.jpg) (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mrocco17/media/IMG_20150104_202701_zps8676c3c9.jpg.html)
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Looking great :4_17_5:
Is that a set of VDC freestyle bars I spy on the mantlepiece, I'll give them a home if you want ;)
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Looking great :4_17_5:
Is that a set of VDC freestyle bars I spy on the mantlepiece, I'll give them a hope if you want ;)
Thanks, but them there bars are gonna sit nicely on the vdc freestyler sitting beside em! If you was thinking for your GHP, I agree, their the best bars for that frameset...
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Lucky man, and yes I was aiming them for the Trix. Got a set of gen 2 vdc woody's that will be donors until I turn a set of the freestyles up, they definitely work well on the trix. Just the damn budget on some of these parts - put then my rule is to spend what I can when I can and not regret it :)
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Lucky man, and yes I was aiming them for the Trix. Got a set of gen 2 vdc woody's that will be donors until I turn a set of the freestyles up, they definitely work well on the trix. Just the damn budget on some of these parts - put then my rule is to spend what I can when I can and not regret it :)
Funny that, as I have a set of the VDC woodys that I was gonna use on the VDC until the bars came along....
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loving the RL chap, sorry for bring this topic back from a VDC takeover :D
The fireplace seems to have more stuff put on it recently, man my missus would go crazy with that much stuff in the house :P I thought the bars were action zone, I thought they looked the part as well.
Got a spare black elina kicking about?
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Got a spare black elina kicking about?
[/quote]
sorry man, no can do on the elina. Only have one and its planned for a PK build, the only race bike I'm doing..
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Looking good... 8)
Satin wheels are the right choice in my opinion... :daumenhoch:
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Got a spare black elina kicking about?
sorry man, no can do on the elina. Only have one and its planned for a PK build, the only race bike I'm doing..
[/quote]
worth an ask :)
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worth an ask :)
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That's cool - exactly the way I approach women!
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That is looking real nice bud, agree that the satin stuff really makes the frame pop :slayer:
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First. Class job my friend very good well done sir
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bike is lovely. well done. great job. I always wanted one bitd..
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Looking good! :daumenhoch:
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Just got onto this site. Been looking for a uk based forum for tips, advice and the odd purchase here and there "help". I'm 41 years young and starting to get back my bmx craving again after 25 years, the wife thinks i've gone bonkers :crazy2:. My old ride back in the day was a Redline RL20ii fully chromed, hence why ive jumped straight on this topic. So jealous of ya mate, beautiful examples you've got there. And how can someone ave so many top rides in their collection ? Unfortunately that old ride I had was lost like a few brain cells when I was growing up. Brought a 2000 mint GT Performer six months ago to ride with my 11 year old daughter on days out. But looking desperately for a proper older ride to tinker with. Any tips on getting one without paying Ebay stupid prices ? Sorry to go on, first post ( based in Essex, nr. Brentwood ).
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Just got onto this site. Been looking for a uk based forum for tips, advice and the odd purchase here and there "help". I'm 41 years young and starting to get back my bmx craving again after 25 years, the wife thinks i've gone bonkers :crazy2:. My old ride back in the day was a Redline RL20ii fully chromed, hence why ive jumped straight on this topic. So jealous of ya mate, beautiful examples you've got there. And how can someone ave so many top rides in their collection ? Unfortunately that old ride I had was lost like a few brain cells when I was growing up. Brought a 2000 mint GT Performer six months ago to ride with my 11 year old daughter on days out. But looking desperately for a proper older ride to tinker with. Any tips on getting one without paying Ebay stupid prices ? Sorry to go on, first post ( based in Essex, nr. Brentwood ).
YO! Welcome to RAD! get yourself a site supporters tag and you will be able to use the for sale/ wanted section and take advantage of friendly forum prices! most people only put their stuff on ebay if it doesn't sell here! :daumenhoch:
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:daumenhoch: "wantit" nice one ... looks great in Yellow :4_17_5:
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Just got onto this site. Been looking for a uk based forum for tips, advice and the odd purchase here and there "help". I'm 41 years young and starting to get back my bmx craving again after 25 years, the wife thinks i've gone bonkers :crazy2:. My old ride back in the day was a Redline RL20ii fully chromed, hence why ive jumped straight on this topic. So jealous of ya mate, beautiful examples you've got there. And how can someone ave so many top rides in their collection ? Unfortunately that old ride I had was lost like a few brain cells when I was growing up. Brought a 2000 mint GT Performer six months ago to ride with my 11 year old daughter on days out. But looking desperately for a proper older ride to tinker with. Any tips on getting one without paying Ebay stupid prices ? Sorry to go on, first post ( based in Essex, nr. Brentwood ).
Thanks for the words on the build - I'm based local to you in Upminster so once you've got yourself one built let me know! No idea on getting one low price except buy in USA and ship over!